Six backed off a step, lifting his hands in a placating gesture, feeling a bit of heat at the back of his neck. When it was just him and Hark, things were so much easier--just get their job done and go home. He couldn't think of a time they'd contested on how to handle things; ever since their first meeting they'd been completely in sync, in every aspect of their lives.

Hay spoke up, and Six cocked his head. "What? Jackdaw's plan sounds fine--if Varus is hurt, he'll have to deal with it. He's our leader, but we can function fine without him, and I certainly don't think he'd want us all halting the mission just to go look for him. Two people can get him and catch up plenty quickly, and then we won't all have to sacrifice time trying to track him down." As far as Six knew, pilots didn't have much authority here, especially against a seasoned soldier.